NGABEZWENI – Imbali will feast on game during the annual Reed Dance (Umhlanga).
Good news was delivered to the young girls when His Majesty King Mswati III commissioned them to fetch the reed last night. Through Imbali leader Princess Sakhizwe, the King presented the game that was killed during Butimba at the game reserves.
“The King says you will feast on the game that has been presented before you,” the princess told the maidens, to their joy. It is worth noting that the young girls were filled with admiration as the warriors entered Ngabezweni Royal Residence from Hlane with the game. Some of the young girls screamed with joy while running alongside the Butimba regiment.
The King also commissioned the young girls to fetch the reed at Bhamusakhe, while the senior maidens were instructed to fetch the reed at Mpisi Farm. The King wished the maidens a safe journey and ordered that they board the buses within the royal residence.
Meanwhile, His Majesty King Mswati III commended the warriors for a successful Butimba. Butimba is a cultural event that brings warriors together for the purpose of balancing nature.
This balancing involves veld burning, which aims to promote new vegetation growth so that animals have fresh and sufficient food. The exercise also includes the culling of old animals to allow young animals to thrive. Additionally, the culling helps control the animal population to prevent overgrazing.
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Maidens grateful for gifts, disappointed no sneakers
NGABEZWENI – Young maidens were excited to receive backpacks and t-shirts, but were disappointed as they expected sneakers.
This follows that Their Majesties gifted Imbali with sneakers during last year’s Umhlanga Ceremony. Imbali received the red t-shirts and powdered blue backpacks shortly after arriving at Ngabezweni Royal Residence and getting their food rations.
Some young maidens were seen using their backpacks, right after the distribution. One of the young maidens from Melethe in Pigg’s Peak said she was very grateful to His Majesty King Mswati III for the wonderful and much-needed gift.
The maiden stated that she would have loved to have received new sneakers because the ones she had were now worn out during the journey from Ludzidzini Royal Residence to Ngabezweni Royal Residence.
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‘Vivane’ appointed as Imbali Indvuna
NGABEZWENI – His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatjwako as Imbali Indvuna.
The King announced Hlatjwako’s appointment through Imbali leader Princess Sakhizwe during the commissioning of Imbali to fetch the reed at Ngabezweni Royal Residence last night.
Hlatjwako, who was recruited into the senior regiment after leading the young maidens known as Bhamusakhe, took over from Nonduduzo Zuzu Zubuko, who got married after leading the regiment for many years. Prior to her official appointment, Hlatjwako had been leading the maidens on an acting basis.
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Inclusion of people with disabilities
NGABEZWENI – The office of the Deputy Prime Minister was grateful that their Majesties ensured that people with disabilities were included in the ceremony.
Matron of a combined foundation of three groups of people with disabilities, under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Sikhulile Dlamini, stated that the office was excited that 32 of their members partook in the Umhlanga ceremony for the very first time.
Dlamini explained that they approached Princess Sakhizwe about their desire to march with the other young maidens and participate in various activities observed in the annual Reed Dance.
She stated that the princess agreed enthusiastically and prepared special provisions for their group. She added that since some of those in the group have sensitive skin (albinism), they planned that they would only march for short distances, take breaks in their transportation and wear hats.
*Full article available in our publication.
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